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Pipeline hearings about to begin

A number of Sarnia corporations and the Aamjiwnaang First Nation have filed to speak at a public hearing May 23-25 in London about an Enbridge proposal to reverse Line 9.

Enbridge is seeking approval to reverse the flow of its pipeline between Sarnia and the Westover terminal near Hamilton, so crude oil is flowing from the west to the east.

Enbridge says it’s simply responding to market conditions and reverting back to the flow direction that was originally approved for Line 9 in 1975.

The current westward flow has been in place since 1999.

However, a number of environmental groups believe the reversal is part of a bigger plan to send western oil sands crude eastward for export to the U.S., says Gillian McEachern of Environmental Defence.

Her group will be at the hearing in London, where presentations are expected both for and against the application.

“We’re concerned Enbridge is not being upfront about its longer-term plans,” McEachern said.

So far, Enbridge has not been clear on the need for the reversal and what it means in the long term for Ontario, she said.

“You’re cutting off the source of oil from the east and becoming entirely reliant on oil from the west.

“What does that mean for Ontario’s energy security, for the refineries in Sarnia and for our efforts to deal with climate change?” McEachern said.

Changing the flow will involve reversing pumps in Westover and Sarnia. All the work will be done in existing Enbridge facilities and will not disrupt property owners near the pipeline, Hall said.

The period for public comment on the Enbridge proposal ended April 23.

The public hearing will be held at London’s Hilton Hotel on King Street. Imperial Oil, Suncor, the Ontario Pipeline Landowners Association and the Ontario government have asked to speak along with about a dozen others.

Details are available by visiting the National Energy Board’s website at www.neb-one.gc.ca.